(1) Further to the answer to question no 2187 (Hansard, 26 February 2001, page 21224) concerning the proposed Murrumbateman by-pass, (a) what was the nature of the so-called weaknesses in the draft report by the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA), (b) when were they identified and (c) who identified them.

(2) When does he expect the RTA to finalise its further consideration in the report and when does he expect to be able to finally determine this matter.

(3) Since becoming Minister for Transport and Regional Services, has he, his office or his Department discussed the potential decision on the Murrumbateman by-pass with any Minister, staff of a Minister or Department; if so, (a) with whom and which by-pass options were representations made in support of and (b) were any other discussions held with a person or representative of a person involved in development of land for residential activities in and around Murrumbateman who may benefit from a decision as to which route the Murrumbateman by-pass takes.

(1) The weaknesses were identified by officers of the Roads Investment Branch of my Department after receipt of the first draft of the report on 3 November 2000. I understand that these officers were concerned by what they considered to be an unsatisfactory standard of argument, justification and presentation in parts of the draft report.

(2) The report was released on 1 May 2001 for public comment up to 14 June 2001. The RTA has advised that it intends to report to my Department on the outcome of these consultations by 30 June 2001. My Department will then advise me in relation to the determining of the route of the by-pass and I will make my decision following consideration of this advice.

(3) There have been discussions on the bypass issue between me, members of my staff and my Department. Some members of the Murrumbateman community, and the Member for Hume, Mr Alby Schultz MP, have met with my staff or with my Department to present their views on the bypass. Departmental officers have also attended community consultation processes where a variety of community views were presented.